Volpe, Ortliebs and heel touch?
 

Anyone who rides the Volpe with Ortliebs? I am planning a 52 cm Volpe [chainstay is 42.5cm] and wear 44 size shoes. Do you think that there is a chance of heel touch?

I know that the Roller Plus has a system to tilt the panniers to reduce heel touch, but they are not available in yellow. In yellow, I can get the Classic Rollers but am worried about heel touch. I love the yellow colour, and also think that they are more noticeable than the other colours.

Any one has this issue? or rather can they confirm the lack of the issue?

Thanks.

Deepak,

Check your other post about color. You can get the Ortlieb Packer Plus in yellow. All Volpe's have the same chainstay length regardless of size. This is what will determine heel clearance. I also wear a size 44and do not have trouble with heel strike on my Volpe (58cm). I have the Ortlieb Back Roller Classics. Rack configuration might also help out here. My rack is a Blackburn and allows some flexibility.

Deepak,

Check your other post about color. You can get the Ortlieb Packer Plus in yellow. All Volpe's have the same chainstay length regardless of size. This is what will determine heel clearance. I also wear a size 44and do not have trouble with heel strike on my Volpe (58cm). I have the Ortlieb Back Roller Classics. Rack configuration might also help out here. My rack is a Blackburn and allows some flexibility.

heel touch has more to do with your bike, stay length, and racks than it has to do with the bags. i have to load my ortleibs really poorly to touch with my 46 shoe on my 26" bike with OMM racks (much shorter chainstays than a proper touring frame). really not a question of panniers. they're all made to be put on bikes.

Thanks Doug.

The Packer Plus is too large and heavy. 20 ounces heavier than the Roller Classic. Thanks so much for the information. Its just what I wanted to hear - a user of the Volpe with the Roller Classic rear panniers and no heel touch.

I am getting the Tubus Cargo rack from Wayne.

Nice bike - what is the front rack and which fenders are you using? What tyre?

Sorry for so many questions but I have never toured before and am pretty new to cycling itself.

even if your heel hits the bag there are the extentions for getting more clearance. see fit solutions on Wayne's site.

just a plug for wayne boroughs- he is a great asset to the touring community, and he has my gratitude. he is an excellent resource. thetouringstore.com

You are welcome-- This is one thread where I feel comfortable giving my opinion and sharing my experience, because we are discussing a bike and gear that are almost exactly like mine. I have ridden the Volpe pretty much like you see it on a 3650 mile ride across the U.S. and on two other multi-week tours in Canada and the Pacific Coast. The point is that it is well tested and I have definately formed some opinions.

Front rack is a Delta. http://www.rei.com/product/671312It is not an expensive rack, but it has worked well. There are a couple of issues with fron racks and the Volpe: lack of "braze-on's" on the fork blades, and having to remove the quick release skewer when taking the front wheel off the bike. Neither is a major problem. The Delta rack comes with mounting hardware that works. A better solution is to get some mounting hardware from Wayne that is a lot easier to deal with and looks a lot better. See pictures below.

The fenders are SKS, and have held up well. I have since added some Planet Bike "mud flaps" because we were expecting our tour this summer to be really wet (it was).

Tires choice is personal preference, and depends on the types of roads you will be riding on and cost. We have used 28 mm Continental Ultra Gatorskins exclusively. They are great tires, but 95% of our riding is on relatively good paved roads. I would like to try 32mm's, but may have to go to a Shwalbe tire to get them. There is a lot of discussion in this form about tires. In the picture the tire is an Continental Ultra 3000. It was just being used for training prior to putting on a new set of Gatorskins prior to leaving on this summer's trip.

Good luck in your venture, and keep us posted on your progress.

Seen that but was wondering whether I would need it. From Dougs replies, I think I will get away without it Living in India, its a pain to source anything at all.

Wayne has been incredibly helpful.

Thanks again Doug.

SKS - 35 or 45? I think the 45s may be better in case you eventually put on 32 tyres? Which mudflaps did you get? DO they fit on easily or do you need to drill some holes in the fenders?


I think I'll pass on the front rack for now.

Our first tour is scheduled for southern France in Aug next year. I think they will be well paved roads [have to research a bit], so may go with your choice. If there are sections of gravel roads the Shwalbe Marathons 32 may be a better choice.

EDIT: I think the gatorskins are not foldable? So would they fit into a suitcase in case I need someone to get them for me from the US?

Also how do you carry a spare non folding tyre on your tour?